Point-of-sale (POS) station having a based bar code driven cash register system with an integrated internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal

ABSTRACT

Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a Continuation-in-Part of copending application Ser. No.______ [Attorney Docket No. 108-120USA000, not yet assigned] entitled“Improved Polygon-Based Bioptical POS Scanning System Employing DualIndependent Optics Platforms Disposed Beneath Horizontal And VerticalScanning Windows” by Timothy Good, filed Jan. 11, 2002; and applicationSer. No. ______ [Attorney Docket No. 108-152USA000, not yet assigned]entitled “Multipath Scan Data Signal Processor Having Multiple SignalProcessing Paths With Different Operational Characteristics To EnableProcessing Of Signals Having Increased Dynamic Range” by Mark Lucera andJoseph Ralph filed Jan. 11, 2002; Ser. No. 09/990,585 filed Nov. 21,2001; Ser. No. 09/999,687 filed Oct. 31, 2001; Ser. No. 09/954,477 filedSep. 17, 2001; and Ser. No. 09/551,887 filed Apr. 18,2000; and is alsorelated to International Application PCT/IUS0/44011 filed Nov. 21, 2001;each of said Applications being owned by Assignee, MetrologicInstruments, Inc., of Blackwood, N.J., and incorporated herein byreference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to retail point of sale (POS)scanning and checkout systems which enable retail cashiers to check outgoods and services for purchase, while enabling customers to verify theprice of products being purchased as they are being scanned, and alsolearn about consumer products and services offered by retailers throughadvertisements, productions and other forms of electronic-educationdelivered to consumers at a checkout counter.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of The State of The Art

[0005] POS-based checkout systems of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 arewell known in the art and appear to be setting standards in the retailindustry, particularly in high-volume checkout applications such assupermarkets, discount stores, superstores, and the like. Such POS-basedcheckout systems have either a projection-type or a bioptical laserscanner mounted in the countertop between the cashier, who stands on oneside of the checkout counter, and the customer, who stands on the otherside thereof during checkout operations.

[0006] At the checkout system 1 shown in FIG. 1, purchase items areautomatically identified by the laser scanning bar code reader 2 as thecashier moves the items in the direction towards the package area wherethe scanned items are bagged. Automatically the price of each scanneditem is displayed on a price display monitor 3 typically located abovethe cash register terminal 4 in a direction facing away from the itemmovement direction, illustrated in FIG. 1. Conventional checkout counterarrangements of such design render it difficult for customers tovisually track scanned items with their purchased price informationbeing displayed on the price display monitor 2. Visual tracking becomeseven more difficult when large checkout lines are formed and the cashieris pressured to scan purchase items at the highest speeds humanlypossible. In such instances, the customer is typically resigned toaccept that scanned items have been properly marked with correct priceinformation, as price verification on the display 3 by the customer isvirtually impossible if and when the slightest distraction occurs alongthe checkout counter. When the customer is accompanied by children,visual price verification tends to become even more difficult.

[0007] Also, conventional courtesy stands 5 which straddle POS-basedprojection and bioptical laser scanners 2, and provide support for ATMdevices 6 and their accompanying mag-stripe readers 7 as shown in FIG.1, typically occupy a great deal of valuable space at the checkoutcounter, and generally detract from the appearance of the checkoutcounter where produces are purchased and sold.

[0008] Moreover, while most price display monitors 3 above the cashregister terminal are capable of displaying advertisements andpromotions to the customers as they checkout their products, suchmonitors are not capable of performing any other functions inconventional POS-based checkout environments.

[0009] Thus, there is a great need in the art for improved POS-based barcode reading systems that are capable of satisfying the diverserequirements of modem checkout operations in physical retailenvironments, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior artPOS-based systems and methodologies.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is toprovide a novel POS-based bar code symbol reading system having anintegrated customer-kiosk terminal, and being essentially free of theshortcomings and drawbacks of prior art POS-based systems andmethodologies.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Customer-KioskTerminal is installed in the countertop surface so that (i) the cashieris capable of entering product price information into the computer-basedcash register system during the check-out of weighed purchase items,while (ii) the customer is able to view the price, weight anditem-identity data of scanned items on the LCD panel located on thecustomer side of the system.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein a POS-Based Bioptical Laser ScanningBar Code Reading Unit is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module via a housinginterconnection technique, and wherein the POS-based bioptical scanningunit supports a produce weigh tray having a recessed surface region forslidably receiving the full weight of produce items under gravitationalloading so that the full weight of the produce items to be purchased isaccurately measured by an electronic produce scale integrated within thebottom portion of the POS-based bioptical scanning unit.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein its ATM submodule is removablydetachable from a first installation port provided on the right side ofthe Cashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module, and itsvoice-over-IP courtesy phone submodule is removably detachable from asecond installation port provided on the left side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein the cashier at the POS station facesthe vertical scanning window of a POS-based Bioptical Laser Scanning BarCode Reading Unit as well as a cashier-scale-terminal (with LCD paneland membrane keyboard) provided on the cashier's side of the POS-BasedLaser Scanning Bar Code Reading System, while the customer faces (i) anInternet-enabled customer-Kiosk Terminal (with LCD panel andtouch-screen keyboard integrated therewith) provided on the cashier'sside of the system, as well as (ii) the financial transaction terminalassociated with the ATM submodule, (iii) the hand-set associated withthe voice-over-IP phone module, and (iv) the courtesy desk surfacedisposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein, the display screen associated with thecustomer kiosk terminal is provided with an Advertisement/Promotion Modeof display operation so that it is capable of displaying advertisementsand promotions (of the hosting retailer or other retailers) while thecashier is not scanning products and the price and product informationthereof is being displayed during its Price/Product Information DisplayMode.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein such advertising and promotions canrelate to the products offered for sale in the hosting retailer store,services and products offered for sale in local and/or regional markets,as well as community news, sporting events, recreational events as wellas local educational programs and the like.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising: a plurality of VLDs, light focusingoptics, scanning motors and scanning optics for producing and scanninglaser scanning beams so as to project a laser scanning pattern throughthe horizontal and vertical scanning windows of the system, and scan barcodes on objects being moved thereby by the cashier, and lightcollection optics for collecting the focusing the return laser lightsignal for subsequent photodetection; a plurality of laser scan datagenerator and processing modules including a plurality ofphotodetectors, for producing scan data signals, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor, memory architecture, system bus architecture (havingdifferent levels of buses) and an I/O interface connected to such busesfor enabling the collection, processing and transport of data elementsgenerated by the various components in the system; a cashier-scaleterminal having a LCD panel, keypad and associated circuitry; acustomer-transaction terminal (i.e. having a LCD panel, a keypad, amagstripe reader, and associated circuitry); Internet-enabledcustomer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem) realized as amicrocomputing system running an operating system (OS), networkingsoftware to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet access software (e.g.Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) to access the WWW andother information resources on the Internet, and peripheral hardware andsoftware components such as a LCD panel, touch-screen keypad mountedthereon, and a speech/voice recognition interface and a bar code symbolreader integrated with the microcomputing system; a voice-over-IPtelephone handset integrated with the microcomputing system, and havingsoftware components running thereon to support its voice communicationfunctions over the Internet, or alternatively, over a PublicTelecommunications Switching Network (PTSN) in a manner known in theart; a network interface controller (NIC) card operably connected tosystem bus architecture, for enabling data packet communications over anpacket-switched information network (e.g. Internet); an multiportEthernet hub device connected to the NIC card and the Internet-enabledcustomer-kiosk terminal, so that entire POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal has one or moreEthernet data ports for operable connection to a TCP/IP network such asa retail LAN which, in turn, is connected to the Internet.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, which comprises a POS-Based Bioptical LaserScanning Bar Code Reading Unit integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit and contained in ahousing of generally unitary construction.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising a POS-BasedBottom-Type Bar Code Reading Unit which is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit andenclosed in a scanner/kiosk housing of unitary construction.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide such novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System, wherein anelectronically-controlled cash drawer is operably associated with thesystem, and mountable beneath a counter surface in a manner well knownin the art.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising: a cashiertransaction terminal (with a LCD panel and a membrane keyboard) providedon the cashier's side of the system; a customer-kiosk transactionterminal (with a LCD panel and a touch-screen keyboard integratedtherewith) supported on a customer-transaction module on the customer'sside of the system; a transaction terminal associated with an ATMsubmodule mounted to a first side of the scanner/kiosk housing; ahand-set associated with the voice-over-IP phone module mounted to thesecond side of the scanner/kiosk housing; and a courtesy desk surfacedisposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising: a plurality ofVLDs, light focusing optics, scanning motors and scanning optics forproducing and scanning laser scanning beams so as to project a laserscanning pattern through the horizontal scanning window of the system,and scan bar codes on objects being moved thereby by the cashier, andlight collection optics for collecting the focusing the return laserlight signal for subsequent photodetection; a plurality of laser scandata generator and processing modules including a plurality ofphotodetectors, for producing scan data signals, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor, memory architecture, system bus architecture (havingdifferent levels of buses) and an I/O interface connected to such busesfor enabling the collection, processing and transport of data elementsgenerated by the various components in the system; acashier-scale-transaction terminal having a LCD panel, keypad andassociated circuitry, for entering and processing information relatingto (i) purchase items to be weighed by the electronic scale subsystem,as well as (ii) customer information enabling a consumer transaction tobe transacted at the system, and enable the opening of theelectronically-controlled cash drawer during the appropriate stage ofthe consumer transaction; a customer-transaction terminal (i.e. having aLCD panel, a keypad, a magstripe reader, and associated circuitry);Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem)realized as a microcomputing system running an operating system (OS),networking software to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet accesssoftware (e.g. Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) toaccess the WWW and other information resources on the Internet, andperipheral hardware and software components such as a LCD panel,touch-screen keypad mounted thereon, and a speech/voice recognitioninterface and a bar code symbol reader integrated with themicrocomputing system; a voice-over-IP telephone handset integrated withthe microcomputing system, and having software components runningthereon to support its voice communication functions over the Internet,or alternatively, over a Public Telecommunications Switching Network(PTSN) in a manner known in the art; a network interface controller(NIC) card operably connected to system bus architecture, for enablingdata packet communications over an packet-switched information network(e.g. Internet); an multiport Ethernet hub device connected to the NICcard and the Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal so that entirePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal has one or more Ethernet data ports for operable connection toa TCP/IP network such as a retail LAN which, in turn, is connected tothe Internet.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein by virtue of its novelconstruction, the POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System WithAn Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal is capable ofperforming all of the functions enabled by prior art POS-based checkoutcounter systems, with the advantage that the system of the presentinvention does so in a system form factor having a unitary constructionthat occupies only a fraction of the space required by the prior art,while enabling a variety of Internet-based services that offer realvalue to customers as they are checking out their purchase items.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein a POS-BasedVertical/Projection-Type Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit isintegrated with a Cashier-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-TerminalUnit which are enclosed in a housing of unitary construction.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anovel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedAnd Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein anelectromagnetic-based demagnetization coil structure is contained with athin support base plate, for demagnetizing product security tags, labelsand the like during retail checkout operations.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide such anovel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedAnd Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein anelectronically-controlled cash drawer which can be mounted beneath acounter surface, is operably associated with the system.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelPOS-based checkout station embodying any one of the POS-based bar codereading systems disclosed herein Another object of the present inventionis to provide a novel method of checking out products and produce itemsin a retail store environment.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a novelmethod of displaying product and service advertisements in physicalretail store environments, while customers checkout their purchaseditems.

[0029] These and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent hereinafter and in the claims to Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more fully understand the Objects of the PresentInvention, the following Detailed Description of the IllustrativeEmbodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying FigureDrawings in which:

[0031]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a conventional (i.e. priorart) POS checkout station, wherein (i) a projection-type orbioptical-type laser-scanning bar code symbol reading system with anintegrated electronic produce scale subsystem is installed within thecountertop surface (e.g. between a pair of conveyor belts), (ii) acustomer courtesy stand straddles the laser scanner and supports an ATMterminal on the customer side of the checkout counter, whereas a cashierscale terminal (comprising a LCD panel and keyboard) is supported on thecashier side of the counter to enable the cashier to enter (i.e. key)information into the system about products and produce items to beweighed by the electronic scale subsystem, and (iii) a computer-basedcash register system having a customer-viewable price-verification andadvertisement display panel which is installed on the cashier side ofthe check-out counter away from but interfaced with the bar codescanning system and electronic product scale subsystem;

[0032]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a POS-based checkoutstation configured in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, wherein a first illustrative embodiment of the POS-Based BarCode Reading System With An Integrated Customer-Kiosk Terminal is showninstalled in the countertop surface so that (i) the cashier is capableof entering product price information into the computer-based cashregister system during the check-out of weighed purchase items, while(ii) the customer is able to view the price, weight and item-identitydata of scanned items on the LCD panel located on the customer side ofthe system;

[0033]FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the first illustrative of thePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, showing a POS-Based Bioptical Laser ScanningBar Code Reading Unit integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module via a housinginterconnection technique, wherein the POS-based bioptical scanning unitsupports a produce weigh tray having a recessed surface region forslidably receiving the full weight of produce items under gravitationalloading so that the full weight of the produce items to be purchased isaccurately measured by an electronic produce scale integrated within thebottom portion of the POS-based bioptical scanning unit;

[0034]FIG. 3B is an elevated side view of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, showing that the produce weigh tray ofthe present invention is supported upon an insert resting upon thetransducers of the electronic produce scale unit integrated into thesystem, and the surface recess formed within the produce weigh trayextends below the planar top surface of the scanning window apertureformed therein above the bottom scanning window of the POS-basedbioptical laser scanning unit;

[0035]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the first illustrative embodimentof the POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk System Terminal in FIGS. 3A and 3B,wherein the Produce Weigh Tray thereof is shown removed from theelectronic produce scale integrated therewith;

[0036]FIG. 4B is a partially exploded diagram of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal illustrated in FIG. 4A, showing theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module removably detachedfrom its POS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit, andits ATM submodule removably detached from a first installation portprovided on the right side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module and itsvoice-over-IP courtesy phone submodule removably detached from a secondinstallation port provided on the left side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module;

[0037]FIG. 5 is an elevated rear view of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIGS. 3A through 4B, showing the vertical scanning windowof the POS-based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit and thecashier checkout terminal (with LCD panel and membrane keyboard)provided on the cashier's side of the system;

[0038]FIG. 6 is an elevated front view of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingWith An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal illustratedin FIGS. 3A through 4B, showing (i) the Internet-enabled Customer KioskTerminal (with LCD panel and touch-screen keyboard integrated therewith)provided on the cashier's side of the system, (ii) the transactionterminal associated with the ATM submodule, (iii) the hand-setassociated with the voice-over-IP phone module, and (iv) the courtesydesk surface disposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal;

[0039]FIG. 7A is an elevated first side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System With Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIGS. 3A through 4B;

[0040]FIG. 7B is an elevated second side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIGS. 3A through 4B;

[0041]FIG. 8 is a block-schematic representation of the system diagramof the POS-Based Bar Code Reading With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal shown in FIGS. 2 through 7B.

[0042]FIG. 9 is the second illustrative of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal of thepresent invention, wherein a POS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar CodeReading Unit is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit in a housing ofunitary construction;

[0043]FIG. 10 is an elevated rear view of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIG. 9, showing the vertical scanning window of thePOS-based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit and the cashierscale terminal (with LCD panel and membrane keyboard) provided on thecashier's side of the system;

[0044]FIG. 11 is an elevated front view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal illustrated in FIG. 9, showing (i) the customer-kiosktransaction terminal (with LCD panel and touch-screen keyboardintegrated therewith) provided on the customer's side of the system,(ii) the transaction terminal associated with the ATM submodule, (iii)the hand-set associated with the voice-over-IP phone module, and (iv)the courtesy desk surface disposed beneath the customer-kiosktransaction terminal;

[0045]FIG. 12A is an elevated first side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminalillustrated in FIG. 9;

[0046]FIG. 12B is an elevated second side view of the POS-Based LaserScanning Bar Code Reading With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 9;

[0047]FIG. 13 is a block-schematic representation of the system diagramof the POS-Based Bar Code Reading With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal shown in FIGS. 9 through 12B;

[0048]FIG. 14 is the first illustrative of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal of the present invention, wherein a POS-BasedBottom Laser Scanning Unit is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit enclosedin a housing of unitary construction, and having anelectronically-controlled cash drawer operably associated with thesystem;

[0049]FIG. 15 is an elevated rear view of the POS-Based Laser ScanningBar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 14, showingthe cashier-scale-transaction terminal (with LCD panel and membranekeyboard) provided on the cashier's side of the system;

[0050]FIG. 16 is an elevated front view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 14, showing (i) thecustomer-kiosk transaction terminal (with LCD panel and touch-screenkeyboard integrated therewith) provided on the customer's side of thesystem, (ii) the transaction terminal associated with the ATM submodule,(iii) the hand-set associated with the voice-over-IP phone module, and(iv) the courtesy desk surface disposed beneath the customer-kiosktransaction terminal;

[0051]FIG. 17A is an elevated first side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 14;

[0052]FIG. 17B is an elevated second side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 14;

[0053]FIG. 18 is a block-schematic representation of the system diagramof the POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal shown in FIGS. 14through 17B;

[0054]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the second illustrative of thePOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal of the present invention, wherein a POS-BasedVertical/Projection Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit is integratedwith a Cashier-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unitenclosed in a housing of unitary construction and having anelectronically-controlled cash drawer operably associated with thesystem, and wherein the base portion of the system (mountable to acountertop surface) contains an electromagnetic-based demagnetizationcoil structure for demagnetizing product security tags, labels and thelike during retail checkout operations;

[0055]FIG. 20 is an elevated rear view of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingCash Register System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal illustrated in FIG. 19, showing the cashier-transactionterminal (with LCD panel and membrane keyboard) provided on thecashier's side of the system;

[0056]FIG. 21 is an elevated front view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 20, showing (i) thecustomer-kiosk transaction terminal (with LCD panel and touch-screenkeyboard integrated therewith) provided on the customer's side of thesystem, (ii) the transaction terminal associated with the ATM submodule,(iii) the hand-set associated with the voice-over-IP phone module, and(iv) the courtesy desk surface disposed beneath the customer-kiosktransaction terminal;

[0057]FIG. 22A is an elevated first side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 19;

[0058]FIG. 22B is an elevated second side view of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal illustrated in FIG. 19; and

[0059]FIG. 23 is a block-schematic representation of the system diagramof the POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal shown in FIGS. 19through 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

[0060] Referring now to the figure drawings, the Objects of the PresentInvention will be best understood by reading the following DetailedDescription Of The Illustrative Embodiments in conjunction with theappended Drawings, wherein like structures and elements are indicated bylike reference numerals.

[0061] First Illustrative Embodiment of the POS-Based Laser Scanning BarCode Reading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal Of The Present Invention

[0062] In FIG. 2, there is shown a POS-based checkout station 10configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention.In this checkout station design, a first illustrative embodiment of thePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11 is shown. This system is installed in a countertop surface12 so that (i) the cashier is capable of entering product priceinformation into the system 4 via a cashier-scale terminal 14 during thechecking out of weighed purchase items, while (ii) the customer is ableto view the product price, weight and identity information about scanneditems on the LCD panel 13 located on the customer side of the system.While the first illustrative embodiment of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11 is shown installed within a POS-based checkout station 10,it is understood that all other embodiments of the POS-Based Bar CodeReading System of the present invention disclosed herein can beinstalled and used within such a retail environment with or withoutmodification.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3A, POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11 comprises aPOS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 integratedwith a Cashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module 16 usinghousing interconnection techniques shown in FIG. 4B. The POS-BasedBioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 can be realized usingany of the products taught in copending application Serial Nos.09/990,585 filed Nov. 21, 2001; 09/999,687 filed Oct. 31, 2001;09/954,477 filed Sep. 17, 2001; and 09/551,887 filed Apr. 18, 2000; eachincorporated herein by reference.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3B, the POS-based Bioptical Laser Scanning BarCode Reading Unit 16 supports a novel produce weigh tray 18 having arecessed surface region 19 for slidably receiving the full weight ofproduce items 20 under the natural forces of gravitational loading sothat the full weight of the produce items to be purchased is accuratelymeasured by an electronic produce scale subsystem 21 integrated withinthe bottom portion of the POS-based bioptical scanning unit 16. As shownin FIG. 3B, the produce weigh tray 18 is supported upon an insert 22resting upon the transducers 23 associated with the electronic producescale subsystem 21. The surface recess 19 formed within the produceweigh tray 18 extends below the planar top surface of the scanningwindow aperture 24 formed therein above the bottom scanning window 25provided in the POS-based bioptical laser scanning unit 16. By virtue ofthis novel weigh tray design, retailers can be assured that they willrecover the full cost of produce and other items requiring weighingprior to the computation of the purchase price (i.e. all produce itemswill fall into the tray recess 19 and be accurately weighed). Also, thetray design of the present invention prevents accidental slippage of thespherical shaped produce items onto the floor surface which might causedamage to the produce and render such items unsuitable for sale, or atsubstantially reduced purchase price.

[0065] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the produce weigh tray 18 is shown removedfrom the electronic produce scale subsystem 21. As shown in FIG. 4B, thePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 11 comprises: aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module 16 removablydetachable from POS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit16; an ATM submodule 27 removably detachable from a first installationport 28 provided on the right side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module 16; and avoice-over-IP courtesy phone submodule 29 removably detached from asecond installation port 30 provided on the left side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module16. Each module is provided with releasable mechanical connectors 31A′,31B′ that enable the device to connect to a mating surface shown, andelectrical connectors 31A, 31B′ that can be releasably joined toestablish necessary and sufficient electrical connections between thecomponent parts of the system. The advantage of this modular design isthat the retailer can build a system that meets the requirements of itscustomers, and possibly start out with a basic system structure andexpand as necessary by adding modules 16, 27 and 29.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the cashier at the POS station faces thevertical scanning window 32 of the POS-based Bioptical Laser ScanningBar Code Reading Unit 15 as well as the cashier-scale terminal 14 (withLCD panel 34 and membrane keyboard 35) provided on the cashier's side ofthe POS-Based Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the customer at the POS station faces (i) theInternet-enabled customer-Kiosk Terminal 13 (with LCD panel 36 andtouch-screen keyboard 37 integrated therewith) provided on the cashier'sside of the system, as well as (ii) the financial transaction terminal38 associated with the ATM submodule 27, (iii) the hand-set 39associated with the voice-over-IP phone module 29, and (iv) the courtesydesk surface 40 disposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal13. Preferably, Internet-enabled kiosk terminal (computer subsystem) 13is provided with an Advertisement/Promotion Mode of display operation sothat it is capable of displaying advertisements and promotions (of thehosting retailer or other retailers) on display 36, 37 while the cashieris not scanning products and the price and product information thereofis not being displayed during its Price/Product Information DisplayMode. The enabling infrastructure for enabling the creation and deliveryof such product/service advertisements and promotions on theInternet-enabled customer kiosk terminal 13 is taught in great detail inpublished WIPO Publication No. WO 01/37540 A2 by IPF, Inc., incorporatedherein by reference. Such advertising and promotions can relate to theproducts offered for sale in the hosting retailer store, services andproducts offered for sale in local and/or regional markets, as well ascommunity news, sporting events, recreational events as well as localeducational programs and the like.

[0068] Side views of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11 are shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, and illustrate that theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module 16 and thePOS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 arecontained within separate housings yet interconnected at physicalinterface-boundary line 42.

[0069] In FIG. 8, a system diagram is provided for the POS-Based BarCode Reading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11 illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 7B. As shown, the systemcomprises: a plurality of VLDs 43, light focusing optics 44, scanningmotors 45 power regulation circuitry 46, and scanning optics forproducing and scanning laser scanning beams so as to project a laserscanning pattern through the horizontal and vertical scanning windows ofthe system, and scan bar codes on objects being moved thereby by thecashier, and light collection optics for collecting the focusing thereturn laser light signal for subsequent photodetection; a plurality oflaser scan data generator and processing modules 47A, 47B and 47C,including a plurality of photodetectors, for producing scan data signalsD0 through D3, that are ultimately decode-processed in order to producesymbol character data representative of the bar code symbol scanned bythe system; a microprocessor 50, memory architecture 51, system busarchitecture (having different levels of buses) 52 and an I/O interface53 connected to such buses for enabling the collection, processing andtransport of data elements generated by the various components in thesystem; cashier-scale terminal 14 having a LCD panel, keypad andassociated circuitry; customer-transaction terminal 15 (i.e. having aLCD panel, a keypad, a magstripe reader, and associated circuitry);Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem) 54realized as a microcomputing system running an operating system (OS),networking software to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet accesssoftware (e.g. Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) toaccess the WWW and other information resources on the Internet, andperipheral hardware and software components such as a LCD panel 36, andtouch-screen keypad 37 mounted thereon (for using customer-transactionterminal 13), and a speech/voice recognition interface and a bar codesymbol reader 55 integrated with the microcomputing system; avoice-over-IP telephone handset 39 integrated with the microcomputingsystem, and having software components running thereon to support itsvoice communication functions over the Internet, or alternatively, overa Public Telecommunications Switching Network (PTSN) in a manner knownin the art; a network interface controller (NIC) card 56 operablyconnected to system bus architecture 52, for enabling data packetcommunications over an packet-switched information network (e.g.Internet); an multiport Ethernet hub device 57 connected to the NIC card56 and the Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal 54, so that entirePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11 has one or more Ethernet data ports 58 for operableconnection to a TCP/IP network 59 such as a retail LAN which, in turn,is connected to the Internet.

[0070] Second Illustrative Embodiment of the POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem with Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal of the PresentInvention

[0071] In FIG. 9, there is illustrated the second illustrative of thePOS-Based Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11 of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 9, POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11 comprises a POS-BasedBioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit 16′ but in thisdesign, Units 15 and 16′ are both and contained in a compact housing 60of generally unitary construction, as shown. The POS-Based BiopticalLaser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 can be realized using any of theproducts taught in copending application Serial Nos. 09/990,585 filedNov. 21, 2001; 09/999,687 filed Oct. 31, 2001; 09/954,477 filed Sep. 17,2001; and 09/551,887 entitled “Bioptical Holographic Laser ScanningSystem” filed Apr. 18, 2000; each incorporated herein by reference.While not shown, the POS-based Bioptical Bar Code Reading Unit 15 alsosupports the novel produce weigh tray structure 18 described in detailabove, and therefore, enjoys all of the benefits thereof.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 9, the POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11′ furthercomprises: an ATM submodule 28′ provided on the right side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit 16′; and avoice-over-IP courtesy phone submodule 29′ provided on the left side ofthe Cashier-Scale-Terminal/Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk-TerminalModule 16′. Each module 28′, 29′ is permanently mounted to its centralkiosk housing 60 as shown using physical and electrical connectors thatestablish necessary mechanical and electrical connections requiredbetween the component parts of the system.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the cashier at the POS station faces thevertical scanning window 32 of the POS-based Bioptical Bar Code ReadingUnit 15 as well as the cashier-scale-terminal 14 (with LCD panel 34 andmembrane keyboard 35) provided on the cashier's side of the POS-basedBar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 11′.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11, the customer at the POS station faces (i)the Internet-enabled Customer-Kiosk-Terminal 13 (with LCD panel 36 andtouch-screen keyboard 37 integrated therewith) provided on the cashier'sside of the system, as well as (ii) the financial transaction terminal38 associated with the ATM submodule 28′, (iii) the hand-set 39associated with the voice-over-IP phone module 29′, and (iv) thecourtesy desk surface 40 disposed beneath the customer-kiosk transactionterminal 13. Preferably, the display screen 36 is provided with anAdvertisement/Promotion Mode of display operation so that it is capableof displaying advertisements and promotions (of the hosting retailer orother retailers) while the cashier is not scanning products and theprice and product information thereof is being displayed during itsPrice/Product Information Display Mode. The enabling infrastructure forenabling the creation and delivery of such product/serviceadvertisements and promotions on the Internet-enabled customer kioskterminal 13 is taught in great detail in published WIPO Publication No.WO 01/37540 A2 by IPF, Inc., supra, incorporated herein by reference.Notably, such advertising and promotions can relate to the productsoffered for sale in the hosting retailer store, services and productsoffered for sale in local and/or regional markets, as well as communitynews, sporting events, recreational events as well as local educationalprograms and the like.

[0075] Side views of the POS-Based Laser Scanning Bar Code ReadingSystem With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 11′are shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, and illustrate that theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit 16′ and thePOS-Based Bioptical Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 15 arecontained in housing 60 having a generally unitary construction.

[0076] In FIG. 13, a system diagram is provided for the POS-Based BarCode Reading System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11′ illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 12B. As shown, the system11′ comprises: a plurality of VLDs 43, light focusing optics 44,scanning motors 45 power regulation circuitry 46 and scanning optics (aspart of unit 15) for producing and scanning laser scanning beams so asto project a laser scanning pattern through the horizontal and verticalscanning windows of the system, and scan bar codes on objects beingmoved thereby by the cashier, and light collection optics for collectingthe focusing the return laser light signal for subsequentphotodetection; a plurality of laser scan data generator and processingmodules 47A, 47B and 47C, including a plurality of photodetectors, forproducing scan data signals D0 through D3, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor 50, memory architecture 51, system bus architecture(having different levels of buses) 52 and an I/O interface 53 connectedto such buses for enabling the collection, processing and transport ofdata elements generated by the various components in the system;cashier-scale terminal 14 having a LCD panel, keypad and associatedcircuitry; customer-transaction terminal 13 (i.e. having a LCD panel, akeypad, a magstripe reader, and associated circuitry); Internet-enabledcustomer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem) 54 realized as amicrocomputing system rung an operating system (OS), networking softwareto support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet access software (e.g. Webbrowser software such as Microsoft Explorer) to access the WWW and otherinformation resources on the Internet, and peripheral hardware andsoftware components such as a LCD panel 36, touch-screen keypad 37mounted thereon (forming customer transaction terminal 13), and aspeech/voice recognition interface and a bar code symbol readerintegrated with the microcomputing system; voice-over-IP telephonehandset 39 integrated with the microcomputing system, and havingsoftware components running thereon to support its voice communicationfunctions over the Internet, or alternatively, over a PublicTelecommunications Switching Network (PTSN) in a manner known in theart; a network interface controller (NIC) card 56 operably connected tosystem bus architecture 52, for enabling data packet communications overan packet-switched information network (e.g. Internet); an multiportEthernet hub device 57 connected to the NIC card 56 and theInternet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal 54, so that the entirePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 11′ has one or more Ethernet data ports 55 for operableconnection to a TCP/IP network such as a retail LAN which, in turn, isconnected to the Internet.

[0077] First Illustrative of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System with an Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal of the Present Invention

[0078] In FIG. 14, there is shown is a first illustrative of thePOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal of the present invention 70. Asshown, a POS-Based Bottom-Type Laser Scanning Bar Code Reading Unit 71is integrated with a Cashier-Checkout-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-TerminalUnit 72 enclosed in a scanner/kiosk housing 73 of generally unitaryconstruction. Also as shown, the system 70 includes anelectronically-controlled cash drawer 74 operably associated with thesystem, and mountable beneath a counter surface in a manner well knownin the art.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 15, POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash RegisterSystem With An Integrated And Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal70 comprises: a cashier-transaction terminal 75 (with a LCD panel 76 anda membrane keyboard 77) provided on the cashier's side of the system; acustomer-kiosk transaction terminal 78 (with a LCD panel 79 and atouch-screen keyboard 80 integrated therewith) supported on thecustomer's side of the system as shown; a financial transaction terminal81 associated with an ATM submodule 82 mounted to a first side of thescanner/kiosk housing; a hand-set 83 associated with the voice-over-IPphone module 84 mounted to the second side of the scanner/kiosk housing;and a courtesy desk surface 85 disposed beneath the customer-kiosktransaction terminal 78. These components are generally similar to thecomponents described in connection with systems shown in FIGS. 3A and 9,supra.

[0080] Front and rear view of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 70 are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and show how the cashier andcustomer, respectively, face the system during checkout operations. Sideviews of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With AnIntegrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 70 are shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B.

[0081] In FIG. 18, a system diagram is provided for the POS-Based BarCode Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 70 illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 17B. Asshown, the system comprises: a plurality of VLDs 43, light focusingoptics 44, scanning motors 45, power regulation circuitry 46, andscanning optics (as part of Unit 71) for producing and scanning laserscanning beams so as to project a laser scanning pattern through thehorizontal scanning window of the system, and scan bar codes on objectsbeing moved thereby by the cashier, and light collection optics forcollecting the focusing the return laser light signal for subsequentphotodetection; a plurality of laser scan data generator and processingmodules 47A, 47B and 47C, including a plurality of photodetectors, forproducing scan data signals D0 through D3, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor 50, memory architecture 51, system bus architecture(having different levels of buses) 52 and an I/O interface 53 connectedto such buses for enabling the collection, processing and transport ofdata elements generated by the various components in the system;cashier-scale-transaction terminal 75 having LCD panel 76, keypad 77 andassociated circuitry, for entering and processing information relatingto (i) purchase items to be weighed by the electronic scale subsystem21, as well as (ii) customer information enabling a consumer transactionto be transacted at the system, and enable the opening of theelectronically-controlled cash drawer 74 during the appropriate stage ofthe consumer transaction; financial transaction terminal 81 (i.e. havingLCD panel, keypad, magstripe reader, and associated circuitry);Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem) 54realized as a microcomputing system running an operating system (OS),networking software to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet accesssoftware (e.g. Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) toaccess the WWW and other information resources on the Internet, andperipheral hardware and software components such as a LCD panel 79,touch-screen keypad 80 mounted thereon, and a speech/voice recognitioninterface and a bar code symbol reader integrated with themicrocomputing system; voice-over-IP telephone handset 83 integratedwith the microcomputing system, and having software components runningthereon to support its voice communication functions over the Internet,or alternatively, over a Public Telecommunications Switching Network(PTSN) in a manner known in the art; a network interface controller(NIC) card 56 operably connected to system bus architecture 52, forenabling data packet communications over an packet-switched informationnetwork (e.g. Internet); an multiport Ethernet hub device 57 connectedto the NIC card and the Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal 54, sothat entire POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 70 has one or more Ethernet data ports 55 foroperable connection to a TCP/IP network such as a retail LAN which, inturn, is connected to the Internet.

[0082] By virtue of its novel construction, the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 70 shown in FIG. 14 is capable of performing allof the functions enabled by the bioptical scanner 28, the ATM terminal6, the price display panel 3, and the cash register computer 4configured together in the prior art POS-based checkout counter systemshown in FIG. 1. Moreover, the system 70 of the present invention doesso in a system form factor having a unitary construction that occupiesonly a fraction of the space required by prior art system of FIG. 1,while enabling a variety of Internet-based services that offer realvalue to customers as they are checking out their purchase items.

[0083] Second Illustrative of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System with an Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal of the Present Invention

[0084] In FIG. 19, there is illustrated the second illustrative of thePOS-Based Scanning Cash Register System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal of the present invention 90. Asshown therein, a POS-Based Vertical/Projection-Type Laser Scanning BarCode Reading Unit 91 is integrated with aCashier-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk Terminal Unit 92 andenclosed in a housing 93 of unitary construction. As there is nohorizontal scanning unit in this design, the system is supported upon arelatively thin (e.g. 2″) base plate-like structure 94 which contains anelectromagnetic-based demagnetization coil structure 95 fordemagnetizing product security tags, labels and the like during retailcheckout operations. Also, an electronically-controlled cash drawer 96,which can be mounted beneath a counter surface, is operably associatedwith the system.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 20, POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash RegisterSystem With An Integrated And Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal90 comprises: a cashier-transaction terminal 97 (with a LCD panel 98 anda membrane keyboard 99) provided on the cashier's side of the system; acustomer-kiosk transaction terminal 100 (with a LCD panel 101 and atouch-screen keyboard 102 integrated therewith) supported on thecustomer's side of the system; a financial transaction terminal 103associated with an ATM submodule 104 mounted to a first side of thescanner/kiosk housing 93; a hand-set 105 associated with thevoice-over-IP phone module 106 mounted to the second side of thescanner/kiosk housing 93; and a courtesy desk surface 107 disposedbeneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal 100. Most of thesecomponents are generally similar to the components described inconnection with systems shown in FIG. 14, supra,

[0086] Front and rear view of the POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal 90 are shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and show how the cashier and,respectively, face the system during checkout operations. Side views ofthe POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal 90 are shown in FIGS. 22A and22B.

[0087] In FIG. 23, a system diagram is provided for the POS-Based BarCode Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 90 illustrated in FIGS. 22A through 22B. Asshown, the system comprises: a plurality of VLDs 43, light focusingoptics 44, scanning motors 45, power regulation circuitry 46, andscanning optics (as part of Unit 91) for producing and scanning laserscanning beams so as to project a laser scanning pattern through thevertical scanning window 108 of the system, and scan bar codes onobjects being moved thereby by the cashier, and light collection opticsfor collecting the focusing the return laser light signal for subsequentphotodetection; a plurality of laser scan data generator and processingmodules 47A, 47B and 47C, including a plurality of photodetectors, forproducing scan data signals D0 through D3, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor 50, memory architecture 51, system bus architecture(having different levels of buses) 52 and an I/O interface 53 connectedto such buses for enabling the collection, processing and transport ofdata elements generated by the various components in the system;cashier-transaction terminal 97 having LCD panel 98, keypad 99 andassociated circuitry, for entering and processing information relatingto (i) purchase items and (ii) customer information to enable a consumertransaction to be transacted at the system, and enable the opening ofthe electronically-controlled cash drawer 96 during the appropriatestage of the consumer transaction; customer-transaction terminal 103(i.e. having LCD panel, keypad, magstripe reader, and associatedcircuitry); Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computersubsystem) 54 realized as a microcomputing system running an operatingsystem (OS), networking software to support the TCP/IP protocol,Internet access software (e.g. Web browser software such as MicrosoftExplorer) to access the WWW and other information resources on theInternet, and peripheral hardware and software components such as LCDpanel 101, touch-screen keypad 102 mounted thereon, and a speech/voicerecognition interface and a bar code symbol reader integrated with themicrocomputing system; a voice-over-IP telephone handset 105 integratedwith the microcomputing system, and having software components runningthereon to support its voice communication functions over the Internet,or alternatively, over a Public Telecommunications Switching Network(PTSN) in a manner known in the art; a network interface controller(NIC) card 56 operably connected to system bus architecture 52, forenabling data packet communications over an packet-switched informationnetwork (e.g. Internet); an multiport Ethernet hub device 57 connectedto the NIC card and the Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal 54, sothat entire POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 90 has one or more Ethernet data ports 55 foroperable connection to a TCP/IP network such as a retail LAN which, inturn, is connected to the Internet.

[0088] By virtue of its novel construction, the POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal 90 shown in FIG. 19 is capable of performing allof the functions enabled by the bioptical scanner 2, the ATM terminal 6,the price display panel 3, and the cash register computer 4 configuredtogether in the prior art POS-based checkout counter system 1 shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, system 90 of the present invention does so in a systemform factor having a unitary construction that occupies only a fractionof the space required by the prior art system of FIG. 1, while enablinga variety of Internet-based services that offer real value to customersas they are checking out their purchase items.

[0089] Modifications

[0090] While the various embodiments of the laser scanning bar codereading subsystems employed in the systems of the present invention havebeen described in connection with linear (1-D) bar code symbol scanningapplications, it should be clear, however, that the scanning apparatusand methods of the present invention are equally suited for scanning 2-Dbar code symbols, as well as alphanumeric characters (e.g. textualinformation) in optical character recognition (OCR) applications, aswell as scanning graphical images in graphical scanning arts. It is alsounderstood that the bar code reading subsystems employed in the systemsof the present invention can be realized as image-based bar code readingsystems as taught in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/954,477filed on Sep. 17, 2001, incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Several modifications to the illustrative embodiments have beendescribed above. It is understood, however, that various othermodifications to the illustrative embodiment of the present inventionwill readily occur to persons with ordinary skill in the art. All suchmodifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope andspirit of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims toInvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A POS-based bar code symbol reading system havingan integrated customer-kiosk terminal.
 2. A POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With An Integrated Customer-Kiosk Terminal is installed in thecountertop surface so that (i) the cashier is capable of enteringproduct price information into the computer-based cash register systemduring the check-out of weighed purchase items, while (ii) the customeris able to view the price, weight and item-identity data of scanneditems on the LCD panel located on the customer side of the system.
 3. APOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein a POS-Based Bioptical Laser ScanningBar Code Reading Unit is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module via a housinginterconnection technique, and wherein the POS-based bioptical scanningunit supports a produce weigh tray having a recessed surface region forslidably receiving the fill weight of produce items under gravitationalloading so that the full weight of the produce items to be purchased isaccurately measured by an electronic produce scale integrated within thebottom portion of the POS-based bioptical scanning unit.
 4. A POS-BasedBar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein its ATM submodule is removablydetachable from a first installation port provided on the right side ofthe Cashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module, and itsvoice-over-IP courtesy phone submodule is removably detachable from asecond installation port provided on the left side of theCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Module.
 5. A POS-BasedBar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein the cashier at the POS station facesthe vertical scanning window of a POS-based Bioptical Laser Scanning BarCode Reading Unit as well as a cashier-scale-terminal (with LCD paneland membrane keyboard) provided on the cashier's side of the POS-BasedLaser Scanning Bar Code Reading System, while the customer faces (i) anInternet-enabled customer-Kiosk Terminal (with LCD panel andtouch-screen keyboard integrated therewith) provided on the cashier'sside of the system, as well as (ii) the financial transaction terminalassociated with the ATM submodule, (iii) the hand-set associated withthe voice-over-IP phone module, and (iv) the courtesy desk surfacedisposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal.
 6. A POS-BasedBar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein, the display screen associated with thecustomer kiosk terminal is provided with an Advertisement/Promotion Modeof display operation so that it is capable of displaying advertisementsand promotions (of the hosting retailer or other retailers) while thecashier is not scanning products and the price and product informationthereof is being displayed during its Price/Product Information DisplayMode.
 7. A POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein such advertising andpromotions can relate to the products offered for sale in the hostingretailer store, services and products offered for sale in local and/orregional markets, as well as community news, sporting events,recreational events as well as local educational programs and the like.8. A POS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An IntegratedInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising one or more of thefollowing components: a plurality of VLDs, light focusing optics,scanning motors and scanning optics for producing and scanning laserscanning beams so as to project a laser scanning pattern through thehorizontal and vertical scanning windows of the system, and scan barcodes on objects being moved thereby by the cashier, and lightcollection optics for collecting the focusing the return laser lightsignal for subsequent photodetection; a plurality of laser scan datagenerator and processing modules including a plurality ofphotodetectors, for producing scan data signals, that are ultimatelydecode-processed in order to produce symbol character datarepresentative of the bar code symbol scanned by the system; amicroprocessor, memory architecture, system bus architecture (havingdifferent levels of buses) and an I/O interface connected to such busesfor enabling the collection, processing and transport of data elementsgenerated by the various components in the system; a cashier-scaleterminal having a LCD panel, keypad and associated circuitry; acustomer-transaction terminal (i.e. having a LCD panel, a keypad, amagstripe reader, and associated circuitry); Internet-enabledcustomer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem) realized as amicrocomputing system running an operating system (OS), networkingsoftware to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet access software (e.g.Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) to access the WWW andother information resources on the Internet, and peripheral hardware andsoftware components such as a LCD panel, touch-screen keypad mountedthereon, and a speech/voice recognition interface and a bar code symbolreader integrated with the microcomputing system; a voice-over-IPtelephone handset integrated with the microcomputing system, and havingsoftware components running thereon to support its voice communicationfunctions over the Internet, or alternatively, over a PublicTelecommunications Switching Network (PTSN) in a manner known in theart; a network interface controller (NIC) card operably connected tosystem bus architecture, for enabling data packet communications over anpacket-switched information network (e.g. Internet); an multiportEthernet hub device connected to the NIC card and the Internet-enabledcustomer-kiosk terminal, so that entire POS-Based Bar Code ReadingSystem With Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal has one or moreEthernet data ports for operable connection to a TCP/IP network such asa retail LAN which, in turn, is connected to the Internet.
 9. APOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, which comprises a POS-Based Bioptical LaserScanning Bar Code Reading Unit integrated with aCashier-Scale-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit and contained in ahousing of generally unitary construction.
 10. A POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising a POS-Based Bottom-Type Bar CodeReading Unit which is integrated with aCashier-Scale-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit andenclosed in a scanner/kiosk housing of unitary construction.
 11. APOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System, wherein anelectronically-controlled cash drawer is operably associated with thesystem, and mountable beneath a counter surface.
 12. A POS-Based BarCode Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising: a cashiertransaction terminal (with a LCD panel and a membrane keyboard) providedon the cashier's side of the system; a customer-kiosk transactionterminal (with a LCD panel and a touch-screen keyboard integratedtherewith) supported on a customer-transaction module on the customer'sside of the system; a transaction terminal associated with an ATMsubmodule mounted to a first side of the scanner/kiosk housing; ahand-set associated with the voice-over-IP phone module mounted to thesecond side of the scanner/kiosk housing; and a courtesy desk surfacedisposed beneath the customer-kiosk transaction terminal.
 13. APOS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System With An Integrated AndInternet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, comprising one or more of thefollowing components: a plurality of VLDs, light focusing optics,scanning motors and scanning optics for producing and scanning laserscanning beams so as to project a laser scanning pattern through thehorizontal scanning window of the system, and scan bar codes on objectsbeing moved thereby by the cashier, and light collection optics forcollecting the focusing the return laser light signal for subsequentphotodetection; a plurality of laser scan data generator and processingmodules including a plurality of photodetectors, for producing scan datasignals, that are ultimately decode-processed in order to produce symbolcharacter data representative of the bar code symbol scanned by thesystem; a microprocessor, memory architecture, system bus architecture(having different levels of buses) and an I/O interface connected tosuch buses for enabling the collection, processing and transport of dataelements generated by the various components in the system; acashier-scale-transaction terminal having a LCD panel, keypad andassociated circuitry, for entering and processing information relatingto (i) purchase items to be weighed by the electronic scale subsystem,as well as (ii) customer information enabling a consumer transaction tobe transacted at the system, and enable the opening of theelectronically-controlled cash drawer during the appropriate stage ofthe consumer transaction; a customer-transaction terminal (i.e. having aLCD panel, a keypad, a magstripe reader, and associated circuitry);Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal (i.e. computer subsystem)realized as a microcomputing system running an operating system (OS),networking software to support the TCP/IP protocol, Internet accesssoftware (e.g. Web browser software such as Microsoft Explorer) toaccess the WWW and other information resources on the Internet, andperipheral hardware and software components such as a LCD panel,touch-screen keypad mounted thereon, and a speech/voice recognitioninterface and a bar code symbol reader integrated with themicrocomputing system; a voice-over-IP telephone handset integrated withthe microcomputing system, and having software components runningthereon to support its voice communication functions over the Internet,or alternatively, over a Public Telecommunications Switching Network(PTSN) in a manner known in the art; a network interface controller(NIC) card operably connected to system bus architecture, for enablingdata packet communications over an packet-switched information network(e.g. Internet); an multiport Ethernet hub device connected to the NICcard and the Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminal so that entirePOS-Based Bar Code Reading System With Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal has one or more Ethernet data ports for operable connection toa TCP/IP network such as a retail LAN which, in turn, is connected tothe Internet.
 14. A POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register System WithAn Integrated And Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein byvirtue of its novel construction, the POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System With An Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal is capable of performing all of the functions enabled by priorart POS-based checkout counter systems, with the advantage that thesystem of the present invention does so in a system form factor having aunitary construction that occupies only a fraction of the space requiredby the prior art, while enabling a variety of Internet-based servicesthat offer real value to customers as they are checking out theirpurchase items.
 15. A POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register SystemWith An Integrated And Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminal, whereina POS-Based Vertical/Projection-Type Laser Scanning Bar Code ReadingUnit is integrated with aCashier-Transaction-Terminal/Customer-Kiosk-Terminal Unit which areenclosed in a housing of unitary construction.
 16. A POS-Based Bar CodeReading Cash Register System With An Integrated And Internet-EnabledCustomer-Kiosk Terminal, wherein an electromagnetic-baseddemagnetization coil structure is contained with a thin support baseplate, for demagnetizing product security tags, labels and the likeduring retail checkout operations.
 17. A POS-Based Bar Code Reading CashRegister System With An Integrated And Internet-Enabled Customer-KioskTerminal, wherein an electronically-controlled cash drawer is mountedbeneath a counter surface, is operably associated with the system.
 18. APOS-based checkout station embodying any one of the POS-based bar codereading systems claimed herein.
 19. A method of checking out productsand produce items in a retail store environment.
 20. A method ofdisplaying product and service advertisements in physical retail storeenvironments, while customers checkout their purchased items.